Why did the seven-time F1 world champion struggle to beat his team mate George Russell this year? That’s the question that defined the 2024 Formula 1 season.
With challenging qualifying sessions and a temperamental car, Lewis Hamilton endured a frustrating year. But what held the F1 icon back? Mercedes has revealed two key factors: the limitations of the W15 and Hamilton’s battle to extract its full potential. And finally, can Lewis Hamilton fans hope for the return of the undisputed master with his move to Ferrari next season?
Read more:
- This “grandmother” at 34 years old hits the track for the second time this year, and it’s a double Formula 1 World Champion behind the wheel
- Tesla has reason to worry as this Chinese automaker just shipped its first 600 vehicles with massive ambitions
A 2024 Formula 1 season of two speeds
While the Mercedes W15 proved competitive on race day, it was particularly unstable during qualifying sessions. Hamilton, renowned for his braking precision and control, faced unpredictable brake locking and loss of grip on corner exits. The result? Out of 24 races, George Russell outqualified Hamilton 19 times (excluding sprints). The difference was often just a few tenths, but enough to leave Lewis several places behind on the grid. On a grid as competitive as 2024’s, every position matters. Starting in the midfield inevitably complicates Sunday comebacks.
A problem of adaptation or the F1 car?
Andrew Shovlin, Mercedes’ director of engineering, pointed to a fundamental issue: the car’s narrow operating window. The W15 required precise, hard-to-stabilize setups, particularly for Hamilton. Despite his experience, he seemed more affected by these finicky adjustments than Russell. Mercedes admitted Hamilton performed better with a perfectly balanced car, as seen in the Las Vegas GP, where he excelled. But achieving that balance was no easy task this season. Shovlin also highlighted that certain traits of this generation of ground-effect cars pose challenges for talented drivers like Hamilton. The inability to keep rear tires at optimal temperature during a flying lap seems to be a widespread issue. Even Daniel Ricciardo and Kevin Magnussen, both known for their braking finesse, struggled to adapt.
Hamilton vs. Russell: Two styles, two differents results
Russell clearly mastered the W15 better during qualifying. But why? According to Shovlin, it’s less about driving style and more about minimizing mistakes during crucial laps. Hamilton, occasionally hindered by oversteer on corner exits, struggled to push the limits without compromising the car’s balance. Nevertheless, Lewis adapted his style based on Russell’s data, showcasing impressive flexibility. The real question, however, remains: why couldn’t Mercedes provide Hamilton with a F1 car that allowed him to fully exploit his potential? The team appears determined to address this issue for 2025, but the seven-time champion didn’t have the machine he needed to return to the top this season.
This article explores why Lewis Hamilton struggled to shine in qualifying during the 2024 Formula 1 season, despite his immense talent. With an unstable W15 and challenging setups, he often found himself behind George Russell. While Mercedes seeks to understand these difficulties, the future remains uncertain for the British icon, even if he joins Scuderia Ferrari in 2025, a team that has made significant progress in understanding and developing its car
Images: © Mercedes Archives
